{Appetizer} Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

One of my favorite appetizers is bacon wrapped water chestnuts. There is something about bacon and the crunchiness of water chestnuts – that when they come together is like a “party in your mouth”. Some may call this popular appetizer “trashy”, but who cares? It may not be the most gourmet appetizer on the table but I can guarantee you it will be one of the first appetizers to disappear. Trashy – Smashy – It’s all good.

This recipe would be great for New Year’s Eve or for Superbowl Sunday. Believe me, bring this to your next potluck and everyone will love you for it (including your gluten-free friends). Enjoy!

Soak the 35 wooden toothpicks in a shallow glass of cold water and preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cut the package of bacon in half. Wrap one half strip of bacon around each water chestnut, finishing it off by securing it with a toothpick. Bake wrapped water chestnuts in a a shallow dish or baking sheet for 20 minutes.

While the water chestnuts are baking, in a small bowl mix the brown sugar, ketchup, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.

When the wrapped water chestnuts are done baking, remove them from the oven but do not turn off the heat.

Transfer the water chestnuts to a paper towel covered plate to soak up bacon grease. Carefully clean up baking dish by wiping down with paper towels.

Place the water chestnuts back on the baking sheet and pour sauce all over them. Bake for an additional 30-40 minutes or until bacon is crispy. Transfer to serving plate and serve hot with toothpicks intact. Enjoy!

Comments

Hey Alice,
This is Sun’s younger sister…Allison. I made this recipe for my girlfriends at the swap party and it was a hit! I used the sauce recipe for chicken wings and my husband really liked it. Great website!

We’ve been making bacon wrapped chestnuts in our family for over 40 years. My Dad found the original recipe in a Joyce Chen cookbook and it has become a New Year’s Eve tradition. Great appetizer. Different sauce, but oh so tasty! A time saving tip…. You don’t need to bother with the toothpicks. Just make sure the “seam” side is facing down, and they’ll stay together. Make a double batch, cause these disappear quickly!!!